Tag: Tamim Iqbal

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal became the country’s youngest cricket chief on Sunday, weeks after he was appointed interim president and vowed to repair the sport’s damaged reputation in the country.

Cricket and politics are intertwined in Bangladesh, and the game was affected by turmoil after the 2024 uprising that ousted long-term ruler Sheikh Hasina.

A new government elected in February dissolved the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over alleged “gross irregularities” and appointed an interim board led by 37-year-old Tamim, who retired from international cricket in 2023.

Tamim was elected after topping a board election with 73 votes from 75 councillors, and led a 16-candidate field competing for 12 director positions.

Fahim Sinha, who received 66 votes, was named vice-president at the board’s first meeting.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We all have to keep one thing in mind, which is that the reputation damage that Bangladesh cricket has suffered worldwide, I alone cannot fix this,” Tamim told reporters after the first meeting.

“I will need everyone’s support here,” he added.

Under the previous board, Bangladesh refused to play in India at this year’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was dumped by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The International Cricket Council (ICC) refused a Bangladesh request to play their matches in Sri Lanka and kicked them out of the tournament.

Notably, as a player, Tamim Iqbal scored more than 15,000 runs for Bangladesh in a career spanning 15 years and remains the only Bangladeshi to make centuries in all three formats of international cricket.

READ: Travis Head to miss Bangladesh tour as Australia announce multiple squad changes

MIRPUR: Veteran batter and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim etched his name further into Bangladesh’s cricket history after achieving a major milestone during the opening Test against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

The experienced right-hander resumed Day Two unbeaten on 48 and soon brought up his 29th half-century in Test cricket with a single off Shaheen Shah Afridi.

In doing so, Rahim surpassed former opener Tamim Iqbal to register the most 50-plus scores for Bangladesh in the longest format.

Rahim now has 42 scores of 50 or more in Test cricket, including 13 centuries and 29 half-centuries. Tamim previously held the record with 41 fifty-plus scores, which included 10 centuries and 31 fifties.

Most 50+ scores for Bangladesh in Test cricket

• Mushfiqur Rahim – 42
• Tamim Iqbal – 41
• Mominul Haque – 39
• Shakib Al Hasan – 36
• Habibul Bashar – 27

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Rahim also remains Bangladesh’s leading run-scorer in Test cricket, with 6581 runs at an average of 38.94.

The veteran batter extended his innings to 71 off 179 deliveries before being cleaned up by Afridi, leaving Bangladesh at 380-8.

Pakistan tightened their grip immediately afterwards as Mohammad Abbas completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Ebadot Hossain for a duck in the following over.

However, Bangladesh’s innings did not end quietly as tailender Taskin Ahmed launched a brief counterattack.

Taskin smashed 28 runs from just 19 deliveries and stitched together a handy 29-run stand for the final wicket before Shaheen ended the resistance, bowling Bangladesh out for 413.

READ: Azhar Ali joins Scotland men’s team for Nepal tour

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), under its newly formed ad-hoc committee headed by Tamim Iqbal, has approved a significant increase in domestic match fees and monthly salaries, with a particular focus on improving earnings in women’s cricket.

The decision marks the first major policy move by the Tamim-led committee since it became operational earlier this week, signalling an early intent to reform player compensation structures across the board.

The revised package comes after the committee discovered that women cricketers in domestic one-day competitions had been earning as little as BDT 1,000 per match in previous years, a figure that was later marginally increased but still widely regarded as insufficient.

Under the new structure, women players will now earn BDT 10,000 per T20 match, BDT 15,000 for 50-over games, and BDT 20,000 for first-class fixtures.

In addition, the monthly salary for the top 36 women cricketers has been raised from BDT 30,000 to BDT 40,000.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

While acknowledging that the revised payments are still not ideal, Tamim Iqbal reportedly stressed that the move represents a necessary and meaningful step forward within existing financial constraints.

The committee has also implemented a parallel revision for men’s domestic cricket. Players in Category A will now receive BDT 65,000 per month, while Category B and C players will earn BDT 50,000 and BDT 40,000 respectively. First-class match fees for men have also been increased from BDT 70,000 to BDT 100,000.

The changes will officially come into effect from January 1, 2026.

Tamim highlighted that domestic players had long gone without meaningful pay increases and emphasised that those who sustain the structure of the game deserve fairer financial recognition.

The reforms come amid wider administrative restructuring within the board, as the BCB also begins defining roles for members of its 11-person ad-hoc committee.

Meanwhile, the board is also working to resolve ongoing disputes between club sides and the governing body, with plans underway to stage the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League in the coming weeks as part of efforts to stabilise domestic cricket operations.

READ: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick rages over VAR handball non-intervention

Former national captain Tamim Iqbal has been appointed as the new president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following the dissolution of the previous board led by Aminul Islam.

The decision was taken by the government after a five-member investigation committee submitted its findings on alleged irregularities surrounding the BCB elections held in October last year.

Acting on the recommendations, the authorities moved to disband the existing board and install a new leadership structure.

At 37, Tamim becomes the youngest president in the board’s history and will head an 11-member ad-hoc committee tasked with stabilising cricket administration in the country.

The committee includes notable names such as former Bangladesh captain Minhajul Abedin and ex-international cricketer and commentator Athar Ali Khan, alongside several other members.

The National Sports Council (NSC) confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been formally informed about the decision. NSC sports director Mohammed Aminul Ahesan stated that the previous board was deemed improperly constituted and unable to function effectively.

“As part of the NSC’s responsibility, we have informed the ICC that this board of directors was not formed in a proper manner and is not able to complete its work accordingly,” he said, expressing confidence that the global body would support the move.

The development follows weeks of turmoil within the BCB, with mounting pressure from the sports ministry over concerns regarding the legitimacy of the last election, alleged political interference, and governance issues.

The situation was further aggravated by multiple resignations, with six board directors stepping down since January, including four in the past week alone.

Despite the growing crisis, former president Aminul Islam had earlier insisted he would not step down, even after the investigation report was submitted.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest-ever batters, Tamim Iqbal represented Bangladesh in 391 international matches and captained the side to 21 wins in 38 games, including a historic ODI series triumph over South Africa in 2022.

After retiring from international cricket in early 2025, Tamim remained involved in the domestic circuit before a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League match brought an abrupt end to his playing career.

READ: Fakhar Zaman opens up on T20I retirement plan

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finance committee chairman M Nazmul Islam landed in hot water after calling former captain Tamim Iqbal an ‘Indian agent’.

Nazmul took to Facebook and wrote about Tamim after his interview, in which the latter suggested that BCB should keep all options on the table before boycotting the national team’s participation in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The official called Tamim is an Indian agent in his post, which has now been removed from his account.

“This time, the people of Bangladesh witnessed, with their own eyes, the emergence of yet another proven Indian agent,” he wrote.

Following that, the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) expressed disappointment over the statement in a press release.

“A comment made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal has come to the attention of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB). We are stunned, shocked, and outraged by it,” the statement wrote.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Such a remark by a board official about the most successful opener in Bangladesh’s history, who represented the country for 16 years, is utterly condemnable.

Not only because it concerns a player like Tamim, but such comments about any cricketer of the country are unacceptable and insulting to the entire cricketing community,” CWAB said in a statement,” it concluded.

Meanwhile, several Bangladesh cricketers have also criticized Najmul Islam’s remarks.

“I am shocked by the statement made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal.

Such choice of words by a board director about a national team cricketer is not only tasteless, but completely unacceptable and contrary to our cricketing culture,” said Test spinner Taijul Islam.

Test cricketer Mominul Haque also shared his views on the statement, noting that the remarks are not acceptable.

“The comment made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal is completely unacceptable and insulting to the country’s cricketing community. Such behaviour towards a cricketer is in direct conflict with the board’s responsibility and ethics,” said Mominul.

Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed urged the authorities to take the matter seriously amid the broader interests of national cricket.

“Cricket is the life of Bangladesh. A recent comment surrounding a former national captain who has made a major contribution to the game has caused many to reflect.

I believe that such remarks directed at a former cricketer of the country are not helpful in the interest of Bangladesh cricket. I hope the concerned authorities will consider the matter seriously and adopt a more responsible stance in the future,” he said.

READ: Hasan Nawaz holds nerve as Chattogram Royals edge Rajshahi Warriors

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, who is currently recovering from a heart attack, shared an emotional message on social media on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club at BKSP when he suffered a severe heart attack, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world.

Despite receiving initial medical attention, his condition worsened, prompting an emergency transfer to Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialized Hospital in Savar for further tests.

Renowned cardiologist Dr Moniruzzaman Maruf performed a successful emergency procedure, stabilizing Tamim’s condition.

Tamim regained consciousness by the afternoon and was able to speak with his family, but doctors have kept him under intensive care, closely monitoring his progress over the next 48 hours.

The left-handed batter took to social media, passionately sharing his heartfelt thoughts with the world. He expressed profound gratitude to all those who stood by him during his challenging times.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The beat of our heart keeps us alive. This beat can stop without any notice – but we keep forgetting about that. When I started my day yesterday, did I have any idea what was about to happen to me?” wrote Tamim.

The veteran batter acknowledged how fortunate he was to have immediate medical attention, crediting the doctors and his well-wishers for his survival.

“By the grace of the Almighty Allah and because of your prayers, I have come back. I was fortunate to have some incredible people around me during this crisis, because of their prudence and endless efforts I have overcome this danger and come back,” he further stated.

Tamim’s message also carried a deeper reflection on life and the importance of supporting one another.

“Some incidents remind us of reality, remind us of how short life really is. In this brief life, if nothing else, we should all stand by each other during crises – that is my request to you all,” he added

He ended his note with a heartfelt appeal for prayers. “I offer my sincerest gratitude and love to you all. Please pray for me and my family. Without your love, I, Tamim Iqbal, am nothing,” he concluded.

READ: Peshawar, Lahore Region Blues advance to the final four of National T20 Cup

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan turned 38 on Monday, but any plans for celebration were put aside following the medical emergency of his longtime teammate, Tamim Iqbal.

The 36-year-old was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club at BKSP when he suffered a severe heart attack, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world.

Despite receiving initial medical attention, his condition worsened, prompting an emergency transfer to Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialized Hospital in Savar for further tests.

Renowned cardiologist Dr Moniruzzaman Maruf performed a successful emergency procedure, stabilizing Tamim’s condition.

Tamim regained consciousness by the afternoon and was able to speak with his family, but doctors have kept him under intensive care, closely monitoring his progress over the next 48 hours.

Later in the evening, Shakib Al Hasan took to social media to express his concern and affection for his friend and former teammate, making it clear that his birthday was far from a happy occasion.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Today is a special day for me, but I can’t fully rejoice because my dear friend and teammate Tamim Iqbal is unwell,” said Shakib.

“We have fought many battles together on the field and created countless memories. I always hope our journey together continues for many more years.

“Tamim, you are one of the biggest strengths of Bangladesh cricket. I pray for your swift recovery and return to the field. InshaAllah, you will be back with us very soon.”

Shakib also made a heartfelt request to fans, urging them to pray for Tamim’s health.

“Your prayers for Tamim will be the best birthday gift for me. Please keep my brother in your thoughts so that he can recover quickly and return to the game,” he added.

READ: Australia announces new stadium for 2032 Olympic Games

The chief physician of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has provided a significant update regarding the health of Tamim Iqbal following his heart attack.

The former captain of the Bangladesh team was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League when he experienced a heart attack on the field and was immediately taken to the hospital.

Tamim Iqbal has regained consciousness after undergoing a successful stent procedure, according to Debashis Chowdhury, a medical officer at the BCB.

“His vital signs are improving, and we are optimistic that his overall health will continue to improve over the next 24 hours.”

“The hospital has informed us that a stent has been placed in one of his arteries, while the other arteries remain healthy,” he shared.

Earlier, an official from KPJ Specialized Hospital in Savar mentioned that Tamim was brought to the hospital twice within a single day.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“He fell ill between 9:00 and 9:30 AM at BKSP and was taken here for medical attention,” stated Dr. Rajib Hasan, the hospital’s media director.

According to Dr. Hasan, Tamim received initial treatment, felt better, and left the hospital. However, his condition worsened later, necessitating a return to the hospital for further treatment.

After his second arrival, the medical team performed an angioplasty and inserted a stent to address his heart issue.

“Tamim’s condition has improved. He experienced a heart attack, which required an angiogram, angioplasty, and stenting,” Dr. Hasan remarked.

“The procedure was successful, and the blockage in his artery has been completely resolved,” he said.

READ: PSL 10: Islamabad United name Alex Carey as partial replacement for Rassie van der Dussen

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal was rushed to the hospital on Monday after suffering a major heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match in Savar.

The 36-year-old was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club at BKSP when he started feeling chest discomfort while on the field.

Despite receiving initial medical attention, his condition worsened, prompting an emergency transfer to a hospital for further tests.

According to BCB’s chief physician, Debashish Chowdhury, Tamim initially underwent an ECG, which revealed irregularities, though doctors were unsure of the full extent of the issue.

“He reported discomfort and was taken for a check-up. The first test showed some abnormalities, but heart conditions can be tricky to diagnose immediately. He felt uneasy and requested to return to Dhaka,” Chowdhury explained.

An ambulance was arranged, but just as he was leaving the hospital to head back to the field, he experienced chest pain again, prompting immediate medical intervention.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

It was then confirmed that he had suffered a severe heart attack, and he was rushed to Fazilatunnesa Hospital for urgent treatment.

Doctors performed an angiogram and angioplasty, successfully inserting a stent to clear a blockage in his heart.

Rajib, the hospital’s medical director, provided an update on his condition, stating “The procedure was completed successfully, and by the grace of Allah, his condition is stable.”

“Tamim suffered a heart attack, but the blockage in his artery has been cleared. The operation went smoothly, and he is now under observation,” he further added.

With one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketers facing a serious health scare, several BCB directors have made their way to Savar, leading to the postponement of Monday’s scheduled board meeting.

Tamim Iqbal, who retired from international cricket in 2023, has remained active in domestic competitions. His sudden hospitalization has sparked concern across the cricketing world, with fans and fellow cricketers hoping for a swift and full recovery.

READ: Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at Virender Sehwag over bragging about 300-run knock

Former Bangladesh captain and top-order batter Tamim Iqbal has once again announced his retirement from international cricket.

The left-handed batter confirmed his decision through a post on his official Facebook account.

“I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over,” Tamim wrote.

The former captain of Bangladesh explained that he chose to announce his retirement now with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in mind.

He made this decision to eliminate any uncertainty for the selectors about his future in the sport, ensuring that he wouldn’t become a topic of discussion leading up to the tournament.

“I have been thinking about this for a long time. Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I do not want to be the focus of anyone’s attention, which could lead to the team losing their focus,” he further wrote.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I removed myself from the BCB central contract a long time ago because I did not want to return to international cricket.

“Many have said that I left the matter hanging. Why would anyone discuss a cricketer who is no longer on BCB’s contracted list? I voluntarily stepped down more than a year ago.”

It’s worth noting that this is the second time he has announced to retire from international cricket. In July 2023, Tamim Iqbal broke down in tears while announcing a shocking retirement after Bangladesh’s defeat in an ODI against Afghanistan.

However, he withdrew his retirement following his meeting with the then Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Tamim last played for Bangladesh in an ODI against New Zealand in September 2023, scoring 44 runs off 58 balls. He is regarded as one of the country’s greatest players, having scored the most centuries, with a total of 25 across all formats.

He has scored 15249 runs in 391 international games across all three formats since making his debut in 2007.

READ: ICC delegation visits Rawalpindi Stadium to review Champions Trophy preparations